The retro-soul revival was thought to be a passing fad or trend that rose to its zenith when U.S. artists like Charles Hamilton, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Lee Fields & The Expressions, and UK stars like Duffy, Adele, and, of course, Amy Winehouse broke through to mainstream prominence and critical acceptance. However, nearly a decade since those halcyon days, there still seems to be no shortage of artists and new songs contributing to the ever-expanding canon of original ‘60s-inspired raw soul. Newcomers seem to be stepping to the sterling mikes to sing their pain and concerns.
One such young lady making her mark in that enduring world of nostalgia and swing is Liz Vice. For some inexplicable reason, iTunes has Vice listed as a blues artist, which might be why her fine debut album, There’s A Light, slipped through our crack last year. Her voice has some age, some rasp, and weariness to it, but the diction and clarity lend themselves more to folk pop and classic soul than the blues. With clean, Americana production reminiscent of Craig Street, meditating and layered lyricism, and a thread of melancholia sewn into each of the ten retro soul, urban folk, and gospel tracks, There’s A Light is worth a listen. Fans of Norah Jones and Liz Wright in particular might find Liz Vice an artist to watch. Her fan favorite tome on vulnerability, “Empty Me Out,” is a representative sample of this serious artist and her work. Let SoulTracks and Liz Vice know what you think of this retro soul artist who’s keeping the torch aflame.
By L. Michael Gipson
